Alena – 28 – Librarian/Jill-of-all-Trades, master of none – NE Ohio

Bio

During the day I'm the typical, cardigan wearing librarian. I fill my evenings and weekends pursuing a million hobbies and interests, including, but definitely not limited to, blogging, podcasting, live music, reading, arts and crafts, (hula) hooping, cooking, eating, making lists and spreadsheets for any and every reason, taking naps (that's a hobby, right?), organizing and reorganizing my Pinterest boards, watching cartoons, traveling and looking at pictures of cats on Tumblr.

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music

movies

I am BlerdNation because...

I don't allow myself to be put in a box! There isn't one definition of blackness and I fully embrace this fact!

Who is your blerd role model? Why?

I have many! Famous ones include Aisha Tyler (of course), Issa Rae (duh), Donald Glover, and every character on A Different World. IRL, probably my grandma! She's always encouraged my voracious reading habits. We have the same taste in reading materials and I love trading book recommendations with her and chatting about what we've read.

How do you stay connected to other blerds?

Twitter! I think it's been everyone's answer. But it really is amazing for connecting people.

What’s your most awkward blerd moment?

Most of elementary, middle and high school? I was acutely aware that I was different from most of the other black kids, and it made for many, many awkward moments.

What’s your favorite word/phrase?

"Ugghhhhh!" and "Right!?" I'm terribly eloquent, I know.

What are your goals/passions?

My goals and passions are one and the same- lifetime learning, trying new things, having new experiences.

What are you listening to, watching, or reading that impacts you or that is giving you a different perspective?

The two things I've read in recent times that have greatly impacted me are How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston and How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.

Are there any famous, or not-so-famous, people that you think would be a great addition to BlerdNation?

I'd just like to see more librarians! :D

What advice would you give to other blerds?

Don't let other people make you feel bad for pursuing your interests and passions! And find a community of like-minded, supportive people, whether it's on or offline.